a.  Airport Tax

A passenger service charge of S$21.00 should be incorporated in the air ticket. If this has not been done, you may be required to pay the S$21.00 during check-in. In some cases, the airline may absorb the service charge.

b.  Banking 

Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs. Most banks handle travellers’ cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays. Passports are required when cashing in travellers’ cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.

c.  Credit / Charge Cards 

Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Should any shop insist on adding a surcharge, please contact the respective card company to report the errant shop-owner.

• American Express  : +65 6880 1111

• Diners Card   : +65 6416 0800

• JCB   : +65 6734 0096

• MasterCard   : 800 – 110 0113

• Visa   : 800 – 448 1250

d.  Currency

The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and departmental stores.

e.  Drinking Water 

It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore.

f.  Electricity

Singapore’s voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, the hotel will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type (i.e. British Standards BS 1363 or Type G).

g.  Goods and Services Tax (GST) 

A 7% GST is levied in Singapore, but foreign visitors may claim back the GST paid on purchases. To qualify for a refund, visitors must spend a minimum of S$100.00 at any store where the “Tax Free Shopping” logo is displayed and present their passports to obtain a completed Global Refund Cheque. GST refunds can then be claimed upon departure at Singapore Changi Airport, upon presentation of the goods purchased, the receipts and Global Refund Cheques.

h.  Medical Facilities 

Pharmacies are readily available at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs. For an ambulance, please dial 995.

i.  Money Changers

Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign “Licensed Money Changer” is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

j.  Postal Services 

Singapore Post operates a network of more than 1,300 postal outlets conveniently located throughout the island. These outlets offer a wide range of postal, telecommunication and agency services. Most postal outlets are open Monday through Friday, from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs and until 1300 hrs on Saturday.

k.  Phone Services 

Most hotels offer in-room international direct dial (IDD) telephone services. Rates and access codes are dependent on the service provider used by the hotel.

There are two mobile phone networks, GSM900 & GSM1800 and three mobile telephone service providers – SingTel, M1 and StarHub. To make international calls, the access codes are 001, 013, or 019 for SingTel, 002 or 021 for M1, and 008 or 018 for StarHub.

Public payphones operated by credit card and/or stored-value phonecards can be used to make both local and international calls. Stored-value phonecards can be purchased from phonecard agents and post offices. International Calling Cards are also available at all post offices including Singapore Changi Airport, 7-Eleven stores and other retail outlets.

l.  Phone Access Codes 

To make an international call, dial the access code followed by the country code, area code and telephone number.

m.  Tipping

Tipping is not practised as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.

n. Weather

Singapore’s climate is characterised by uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The temperature ranges from minimum 23 – 26°C to maximum 31 – 34°C.